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Coconut milk rice recipe

Delicious Aromatic Coconut Milk Rice Recipe

Coconut milk rice is aromatic and tastes good. Adding coconut milk to dishes improves tastes and serves many health benefits. It is an alternative for lactose free food, boosts immunity, rich in Vitamin E, B and C. It is also considered as a healthy fat that supports health heart.

When incorporating coconut milk into your diet, opt for unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars. Best is to prepare coconut milk at home by grinding freshly grated coconut.

Ingredients:

1.        Basmati rice (or any long-grain rice) – 1 cup

2.        Coconut milk – 1.5 cup

3.        Water – 1 cup

4.        Medium onion, finely chopped -1

5.        Garlic clove -2 (minced)

6.        Ginger – 1 tsp (minced)

7.        Green chili, slit (optional for heat) – 1 or 2

8.        Cooking oil – 1 Tbsp (coconut oil preferred)

9.        Cumin – 1 tsp

10.   Mustard – ½ tsp

11.   Bay leaf – 1

12.   Cinnamon -1-inch stick

13.   Salt – as per taste

14.   Chopped coriander – ½ cup

15.   Curry leaves – few

Preparation:

1.        Rinse the rice under cold water. Soak the rice in water for about 15-20 minutes, then drain.

2.        Chop the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and slit the green chili.

3.        In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4.        Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic, ginger, curry leaves and slit green chili. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5.        Coconut milk preparation: Grate one coconut and grind with ½ cup water – strain and collect the coconut milk. Alternatively, you can use store bought canned unsweetened coconut milk.

6.        Add the soaked and drained rice to the cooking vessel. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and spices.  Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add salt to taste.

7.        Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the lid and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

8.        Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

9.        Serve the coconut milk rice with your 

 

Image credit: Coconut Image by manueltapi from Pixabay (Free for use under Pixabay content license)

Coconut milk rice image credit:  www.werindia.com (Copilot Designer August 4th 3:56 pm)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 5, 2024
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Ai technology in agriculture

Impact of AI in Agricultural Industry And Challenges

AI is playing an increasingly significant role in the agriculture industry worldwide, transforming traditional farming practices into more efficient, productive, and sustainable ones.

The future of AI in agriculture promises to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in farming, helping to address global challenges such as food security, climate change, and environmental sustainability. As technology continues to evolve, its integration into agriculture will bring about transformative changes, making farming smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable than ever before.

Ways AI impacting current agriculture practices –

Precision farming

  • Soil and crop monitoring: AI uses sensors and IoT devices to collect data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and crop health. This data helps in precise application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
  • Variable rate technology (VRT): AI algorithms determine the optimal number of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals to be applied at specific locations in the field, reducing waste and costs.

Predictive analytics

  • Yield prediction: AI models analyze weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop health data to predict yield outcomes, allowing farmers to plan better.
  • Disease and pest forecasting: AI systems can predict the likelihood of disease outbreaks or pest infestations, enabling timely preventive measures.

Automation and robotics

  • Autonomous equipment: AI-powered tractors and machinery can perform planting, weeding, and harvesting tasks autonomously, improving efficiency and reducing labor dependency.
  • Harvesting robots: Robots equipped with AI can identify and harvest ripe fruits and vegetables, minimizing damage and increasing productivity.

Drones and satellite imaging

  • Aerial surveillance: Drones equipped with AI analyze aerial images to assess crop health, identify stressed areas, and monitor irrigation levels.
  • Remote sensing: Satellites provide large-scale images and data, which AI analyzes to monitor crop growth, soil conditions, and environmental changes.

Supply Chain Optimization

  • Demand forecasting: AI predicts market demand for various crops, helping farmers decide what to plant and when to harvest.
  • Planning: AI optimizes the supply chain by managing inventory, reducing waste, and ensuring timely delivery of fresh produce.

Livestock management

  • Health monitoring: AI systems monitor livestock health through wearable devices and cameras, detecting signs of illness, stress, or abnormal behavior early.
  • Feeding optimization: AI analyzes data on feed intake and growth rates to optimize feeding schedules and compositions.

Climate change adaptation

  • Weather prediction: AI models predict short-term and long-term weather patterns, helping farmers make informed decisions about planting and harvesting.
  • Resilient crop varieties: AI research aids in developing crop varieties that are more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases.

Smart irrigation systems

  • Efficient water use: AI-powered systems use real-time data to determine the precise amount of water needed for crops, reducing water waste.
  • Automated irrigation: AI controls irrigation systems to water crops at optimal times, ensuring better growth and yield.

Market forecasting

  • Price prediction: AI analyzes market trends to forecast prices of agricultural products, helping farmers decide the best times to sell their produce.
  • Consumer preference analysis: AI identifies consumer preferences and trends, guiding farmers on what crops to grow for better profitability.

Resource management

  • Optimizing inputs: AI helps in the efficient use of resources like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides by determining the exact quantities needed.
  • Environmental impact reduction: AI promotes sustainable farming practices by minimizing the overuse of chemicals and conserving natural resources.

Several leading agricultural companies are leveraging AI technology to innovate and enhance their farming practices are – John Deere, Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva Agriscience, Trimble Agriculture etc. In India – Salam Kisan, DeHaat, Ninjacart, Cropin Technology, AgNext are examples where AI is using AI to help farmers. These companies are at the forefront of integrating AI into agriculture, driving innovation, and helping farmers meet the challenges of modern farming through advanced technology and data-driven solutions.

Challenges faced by AI supported Ag Industry:

1. High Initial costs of technology investment – this is a big challenge mainly small-scale farmers face.

2. Data management and quality which requires a vast amount of accurate and comprehensive data.

3. Technical complexity of understanding AI technologies and knowledge by farmers including maintenance and support

4. Infrastructure Limitations like connectivity issues for AI Apps through network and power supply

5. Regulatory and ethical concerns – data protection and privacy concerns by farmers. Data should be ethical.

6. Regulatory compliance: Navigating drones and autonomous machinery through AI can be complex.

6. Environmental and social Impact – it is important to ensure farmers that these technologies promote sustainable practices.

7. Automation of the farm work due to AI application could cause Job displacement and can lead to social and economic concerns.

8. Reliability and accuracy of AI based models – if there is incorrect recommendation or predications it could lead to heavy losses. Ensuring farmers with practical knowledge under varying conditions that AI technology works is essential.

9. Economic barriers – small scale farmers might not be able to afford the technology. Another major challenge is funding and investment.

10. Cultural and behavioral resistance – farmers who rely on traditional practices might be hesitant to adopt innovative technologies. Building trust with transparency approaches is critical to introduce AI technology in the field.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from technology developers, policymakers, educational institutions, and the farming community to create a supportive ecosystem for AI in agriculture.

References:

  1. https://www.nifa.usda.gov/artificial-intelligence
  2. https://www.forbes.com/
  3. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/agriculture
  4. https://www.basic.ai/blog-post/7-applications-of-ai-in-agriculture
  5. https://krishijagran.com/

Image credit: Generated with AI ∙ July 31, 2024, at 7:57 PM

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 1, 2024
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Yoga poses to overcome emotions

Overcome Negative Emotions By Practicing These Ten Yoga Poses

Yoga helps to bring balance between mind and body. Whenever we are feeling emotions, it impacts our body positively or negatively. Yoga asanas can have a profound impact on our emotional well-being and help to overcome negative emotions. Such yoga poses are identified in our scriptures and are designated to overcome negative emotions. Whenever we are not feeling energetic due to overwhelming emotions, we can make use of these asanas to feel better.

Here are examples of asanas that are commonly associated with specific emotional benefits:

1. Balasana (Child’s pose):

Emotional Benefits: Provides a sense of safety, calm, and relaxation. Helps to relieve stress and anxiety.

How to do It: Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and stretch your arms forward on the mat. Rest your forehead on the ground.

2. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose):

Emotional Benefits: Opens the heart and chest, promoting feelings of courage and reducing feelings of depression.

How to do It: Lie on your stomach, place your hands under your shoulders, and gently lift your chest off the floor while keeping your elbows close to your body.

3. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose):

Emotional Benefits: Relieves anxiety and calms the mind. Promotes relaxation and opens the chest.

How to do It: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips towards the ceiling while keeping your feet and shoulders grounded.

4. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing dog pose):

Emotional Benefits: Energizes the body and mind, relieves stress, and combats feelings of fatigue.

How to do It: Start on your hands and knees, lift your hips towards the ceiling, and straighten your legs and arms, forming an inverted V shape.

5. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II pose):

Emotional Benefits: Builds confidence and strength, promotes courage, and enhances focus.

How to do It: Stand with your legs wide apart, turn one foot out, bend the knee of the turned-out foot, and extend your arms out to the sides.

6. Garudasana (Eagle pose):

Emotional Benefits: Promotes balance and focus, relieves stress, and improves concentration.

How to do It: Stand on one leg, wrap the other leg around it, and cross your arms in front of you while bringing your palms together.

7. Savasana (Corpse pose):

Emotional Benefits: Deep relaxation, stress relief, and mental clarity.

How to do It: Lie flat on your back with your arms and legs comfortably spread, palms facing up, and eyes closed.

8. Viparita Karani (Legs up the wall pose):

Emotional Benefits: Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation.

How to do It: Lie on your back and extend your legs up against a wall, forming a 90-degree angle with your body.

9. Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge pose):

Emotional Benefits: Opens the heart and hips, promoting emotional release and a sense of openness.

How to do It: Step one foot forward into a lunge position, lower the back knee to the ground, and lift your arms overhead.

10. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend pose):

Emotional Benefits: Calms the mind, relieves stress and anxiety, and promotes introspection.

How to do It: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, bend forward at the hips, and let your upper body hang down while keeping your legs straight.

Practicing these asanas regularly can help manage emotions, reduce stress, and promote overall emotional well-being. Always listen to your body and practice within your limits.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/494967 CC0 Public Domain (Uploaded on Pxhere

01/22/2017)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 29, 2024
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Foods to reduce cortisol level

Take Help Of These Eight Foods To Reduce Cortisol Level And Unwanted Fat

Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” plays a significant role in our body’s response to stress. When cortisol levels are elevated for extended periods, it can lead to various metabolic changes that promote fat accumulation, particularly in the abdominal area.

Do you how cortisol increases fat in our body? Understanding these mechanisms highlights the importance of managing stress and maintaining balanced cortisol levels to support a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Stimulates appetite and cravings: Cortisol can increase appetite, especially cravings for high-calorie, high-sugar foods. This is because the body prepares for a perceived “fight or flight” situation by storing more energy in the form of fat.

Promotes fat storage: High cortisol levels can signal the body to store more fat, particularly in the visceral (abdominal) area. This type of fat is linked to a higher risk of metabolic disorders and is more hormonally active than subcutaneous fat.

Impairs insulin sensitivity: Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can impair insulin sensitivity, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This can promote fat storage and increase the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Affects metabolism: Elevated cortisol can slow down metabolism by affecting thyroid function and other metabolic processes. A slower metabolism means the body burns fewer calories at rest, leading to increased fat storage.

Redistributes fat: Cortisol can cause the redistribution of fat from peripheral areas (like arms and legs) to central areas (like the abdomen). This redistribution is part of the body’s response to stress and is designed to provide quick energy sources in times of need.

Breaks down muscle: High cortisol levels can lead to muscle breakdown (catabolism) to provide the body with glucose. Loss of muscle mass can lower the overall metabolic rate, making it easier to gain fat.

Apart from learning how to manage day to day stress, we can also take help of foods to bring down cortisol level. Here are eight of the best cortisol-lowering foods for women, along with the reasons why they are effective:

  1. Dark chocolate:  Dark chocolate can help reduce cortisol levels because it contains antioxidants like flavonoids, which can help modulate stress hormones. Studies suggest that consuming dark chocolate can lower cortisol and improve mood.
  2. Bananas:  Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, both of which help regulate cortisol levels. Potassium helps control blood pressure, and vitamin B6 plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis, which can influence mood and stress response.
  3. Yogurt/curd:  Probiotics in yogurt can support gut health, which is linked to stress and cortisol levels. A healthy gut microbiome can help reduce inflammation and cortisol production.
  4. Oats:  Oats are a complex carbohydrate, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent spikes that can lead to increased cortisol production. They also contain magnesium, a mineral known for its calming effects on the nervous system.
  5. Green tea:  Green tea contains theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces cortisol levels. It also has antioxidants that can protect against stress-induced cellular damage.
  6. Berries:  Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, berries help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lower cortisol levels.
  7. Nuts and seeds (like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds):  These provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein that help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cortisol production. They are also high in magnesium and vitamin E, which can support stress reduction.
  8. Avocado:  Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium, avocados help maintain stable blood sugar levels and support adrenal health, reducing cortisol production.

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help manage stress and lower cortisol levels, contributing to overall well-being.

Generated with AI ∙July 25, 2024 at 3:25 PM (WerIndia)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 26, 2024
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Reasons Why These Fruits And Vegetables Significantly Contribute To Better Heart Health

Fruits and vegetables for heart
 
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 25, 2024
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ways to preserve kids art work

Five Creative Ways To Use Kids Art

Your kid is creative, and you don’t want to trash the art and you want to preserve them? Then, there are plenty of creative ways to use your kid’s art and make it admirable. This not only makes your kids happy, but it also improves their curiosity and creativity. Sometimes kids’ works can be found everywhere at home – on walls, sofa, papers, books, refrigerators etc. By designating proper place to display them, you can preserve their art work.

There are plenty of creative and practical ways to preserve and display your kids’ art without letting it take over your space. Here are five ideas:

1. Create a rotating gallery:

Designate a wall or a specific area in your home as a gallery for your kids’ artwork. Use frames with easy-to-change inserts, clipboards, or a wire with clothespins to rotate new pieces regularly. This not only declutters but also keeps the display fresh and interesting.

2. Turn art into gifts:

Transform your kids artwork into personalized gifts. Scan or photograph their art and use the digital files to create:

  1. Calendars: Each month can feature a different piece of their art.
  2. Greeting Cards: Use their artwork for birthdays, holiday, or thank you cards.
  3. Photo Books: Compile a years worth of their best pieces into a beautifully bound book.

3. Functional art:

Incorporate their art into everyday items:

  1. Custom fabric: There are online services where you can upload artwork to create custom fabric. Use this fabric to make pillowcases, tote bags, or even clothing.
  2. Magnets: Scan and shrink the art to create custom magnets for the fridge.
  3. Cozies and covers: Transfer artwork onto items like phone covers, laptop sleeves, or even notebooks.

4. Art collages and mosaics:

Instead of keeping each piece separately, create a larger project using multiple pieces:

  1. Collage: Cut up parts of different artworks and arrange them into a new, large piece. Frame it to make a striking, unique display.
  2. Mosaic: Use pieces of their art to create a new image or pattern. This can be framed or used as a decorative element on a larger project, like a piece of furniture.

5. Digital archive:

Create a digital archive of all their art to preserve memories without physical clutter:

  1. Scan or photograph: Digitally scan or photograph each piece of artwork.
  2. Digital frames: Use digital photo frames to display a slideshow of their artwork.
  3. Online gallery: Create a private online gallery or blog where family and friends can view their art. Several Apps are available for storing and viewing photographs like Google Photos.

These ideas can help you celebrate and preserve your kids’ creativity while keeping your home organized and clutter-free.

Image credit: Little girl painting:  Image by _Mochi_ from Pixabay Free for use under the Pixabay Content License  & Kid preparing toy using plasticine -Generated with AI ∙ July 22, 2024 at 1:11 PM

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 23, 2024
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Internal Rotation And External Rotation

Internal Rotation And External Rotation

9. Internal rotation

1.      Attach a resistance band to a strong sturdy object at waist height.

2.      Stand with your side to the anchor point, holding the band with the hand closest to the anchor.

3.      Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle and rotate your arm INWARD, towards your body.

4.      Slowly return to the starting position.

5.      Perform three sets of 12-15 repetitions on each side.

10. External rotation

1.      Attach a resistance band to a strong sturdy object at waist height.

2.      Stand with your side to the anchor point, holding the band with the hand farthest from the anchor.

3.      Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle and rotate your arm OUTWARD, away from your body.

4.      Slowly return to the starting position.

5.      Perform three sets of 12-15 repetitions on each side.

Incorporating these exercises into your workout routine can help you build strong and stable shoulders. Make sure to use proper form and start with lighter weights to avoid injury, gradually increasing the resistance as you build strength.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1629580 CC0 Public domain

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 22, 2024
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Upright Rows And Push Ups

Upright Rows And Push Ups

7. Upright rows

1.      Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell or dumbbells in front of your thighs with palms facing your body.

2.      Lift the weights straight up to your collarbone, keeping them close to your body.

3.      Lower the weights back to the starting position.

4.      Perform three sets of 10-12 repetitions.

8. Push ups

1.      Start in a plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

2.      Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor.

3.      Push back up to the starting position.

4.      Perform three sets of 10-15 repetitions.

 

Image credit: Generated with AI ∙ July 21, 2024 at 12:41 PM

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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